Title Page | Collection Summary | Biographical/Organizational Note | Scope and Content | Arrangement
Biographical Note
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1927, March 4 | Born, New York, N.Y. |
| 1945 | Married Jean Louise Connelly Served in United States Army, Fort Dix, N.J., and Camp Joseph T. Robinson, Little Rock, Ark. |
| 1946-1964 | Wrote and published a series of books of humor material for performers |
| 1946-1947 | Wrote articles for Magic is Fun magazine |
| 1948-1954 | Columnist, Genii magazine |
| circa 1951 | Writer, Fun with Felix television program |
| 1958-1968 | Founder and owner, Orben Publications with Stanley Kupferman |
| 1958-1968 | Published Orben's Current Comedy, a topical humor periodical |
| 1961-circa 1967 | Wrote material for comedian Dick Gregory |
| 1962 | Editor, From the Back of the Bus by Dick Gregory. N.Y.: Dutton |
| 1962-1964 | Writer, The Jack Paar Program |
| 1964-1970 | Writer, The Red Skelton Hour |
| 1966 | Published The Joke-Teller's Handbook, or 1,999 Belly Laughs. N.Y.: Doubleday |
| 1969 | Published The Ad-Libber's Handbook: 2000 New Laughs for Speakers. N.Y.: Doubleday |
| 1960s-1990s | Consultant, speechwriter for politicians and other public figures |
| 1971 | Resumed publishing Orben's Current Comedy Published The Encyclopedia of One-Liner Comedy. N.Y.: Doubleday |
| 1971-1973 | Founder and owner, The Comedy Center, a company that sold comedy products |
| 1971-1972 | Published Orben Comedy Letter |
| 1971-1980 | Published Orben's Comedy Fillers |
| 1974 | Consultant to Vice President Gerald R. Ford |
| 1974-1975 | Speechwriter and associate editor for President Gerald R. Ford |
| 1976-1977 | Director, White House Speechwriting Staff Special assistant to the President |
| 1979 | Published 2500 Jokes to Start 'Em Laughing. N.Y.: Doubleday |
| 1970s-1990s | Consultant, speechwriter, and advisor on the use of humor in public speaking for executives and corporations |
| 1983 | Published 2100 Laughs for All Occasions. N.Y.: Doubleday |
| 1984 | Published 2400 Jokes to Brighten Your Speeches. N.Y.: Doubleday |
| 1986 | Published 2000 Sure-Fire Jokes for Speakers: The Encyclopedia of One-Liner Comedy. N.Y.: Doubleday |
| 2000 | Published Speaker's Handbook of Humor. Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster |
| 2007 | Published The Speechwriter's Handbook of Humor: A Practical Guide to Getting Laughs in Public Speeches and Presentations. Portland, Oreg.: Marion Street Press |